Sewing through the ages, generations passing the skills to the next. I could go on forever how the society has lost this. Rest assured I would not. I can remember my Nanna making me things, but I cannot remember her sewing. Neither my mother or auntie sewed, the basic skills I learnt at school, back in the eighties they still taught sewing and textiles as standard.

Society for the United Kingdom as lost a generation of sewers, with cheap through away fashion, people forgot the skill or did not need to make do and mend. This was not going to happen in my house. Both my daughters can thread a needle and know how to use it. My eldest more than my youngest, my youngest is under the impression that while mum is there to do it for her why bother.

A few years ago while my eldest –Deanna – was at college she tripped on the bus and split her skirt (three leaves of fabric –Ra Ra style) between the top level and the second, basically reducing the front to a belt. All her friends were stressing out. Not Deanna, she went straight to the textiles section, borrowed a needle and thread and proceeded to repair the skirt. Impressing her friends and making me proud that I was able to pass on the lifetime skill.

So imagine my joy when she phoned me from university and asked for my guidance with a leather bag she was making. Then a few days later, she had made it. Then a fleece cape she had drafted from scratch. Her dad – an electrician by trade – was impressed when Deanna phoned him up and asked for help and advice to fix the foot peddle. Which she did without issue, however, this machine needs a good service or a more serious repair so when Deanna returned home for good, we purchased Deanna another second hand machine –she prefers older models – so the Jones came home with us.

Move forward in time to October 2018. Time had escaped both of us and we needed to be full on making costumes for the London Comic Convention. As she needed my guidance, I suggested she work alongside me. I use a large plastic table that folds away to work on as space in our home is limited. She was one end on her machine -a Jones machine model number 1681- and I was on mine – a Janome, model QC6019 – the juxtaposition of it was ironic, younger on older model and older on younger model.

Hard-case for the newer model

 

As this was the first real time she had chance to play and get used to this new machine there were teething issues. The machine, now called Margaret. Why that name? This quote from Deanna as explains why. (Apologies to anybody called Margret).

“I called it Margret because it reminds me of the awkward lady whom when shopping; you try to help her but she insists she’s right about something and then when you provide an ‘alternative’ option mentioned by the manager (something which is exactly what she was explaining/wanted) she’s happy with it. But still complains how rude you were even though you weren’t at all.” Deanna Inkson

Jones model 1681

Janome model QC6019

I became the manager, as I had to kick that machine into touch. The bobbin area needed attention otherwise; things were working, as they should. Things my daughter is still learning and with this machine in general. She wants the other machine- a singer 1960 model – up and running, as she knows that one better.

I digress. Deanna was making quilted leg pads and arm protectors for her cosplay,

and I worked on creating the Incredible costume for my youngest.  She wore it for day two, but I was unable to get any pictures when we dropped them off as it was raining.

Embroidered logo, again digisted by myself.

Handmade by myself

 

As well as accessories to go with a dress, my friend had made for her.

Rosie Brunt made this for my daughter.

Some of these made using the embroidery machine.  Apart the teething problems with this machine it was lovely to sit and work next to her, both of us, working, while listening to the hum of the machines, and music in the background.

The London Comic Convention was a great success for my daughters. They attended two days of the four-day event, while both my husband and I attended for only a day.

It was great to see all the different interpretations of the characters from all media; comics and graphic novels, video games and film and television. The best thing of all it was nice to see the skill in sewing and craft making a comeback in what for most was a lost generation. Although the wearers themselves may not have made costumes, they had commissioned them, keeping the skills alive.

The photos have all been taken with permission, please excuse the quality of them as I am not good a pictures on the move.

Guests the convention

Showing off his home made weapon.